Just in: Health Minister Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Striking Nurses, Midwives

Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate held a closed-door meeting on Friday in Abuja with the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Labour.

The meeting, part of ongoing negotiations, concluded without a resolution to the nurses’ strike, which is now in its third day.

Persecondnews reports that the nurses and midwives commenced a seven-day warning strike on July 29, following the government’s failure to respond meaningfully to their 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.

The strike is expected to continue till August 5, 2025.

The union’s demands include improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions for nurses across federal health institutions.

During the meeting, Prof. Pate noted the government’s commitment to ensuring that health workers are respected and supported.

“We are now in the process of negotiating revised allowances transparently,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing with key associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association and nurses’ unions.

NANNM National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, said the Federal Government failed to engage meaningfully with the association during the window provided.

“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it,” Rilwan said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has taken a significant step towards promoting industrial stability and peace in the country by approving the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025 on Thursday, July 31.

This policy aims to foster harmony between the government and the nation’s workforce, regulating trade union activities to minimize strikes and ensure seamless workflow.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, highlighted the importance of this policy in ensuring a stable industrial environment.

“This policy is essential for regulating the conduct of the various trade unions within the industrial relations space in the country,” he said.

The House of Representatives Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity has also appealed to the nurses and midwives to suspend their strike, describing it as disruptive to healthcare services across the country.